Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell Program

The Fellowship in Complex General Surgical Oncology at the Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell is a comprehensive two-year program that has received ACGME accreditation. The program is designed to provide unique training opportunities through a combination of practical experience and scholarly activity, enabling fellows to become leaders in the field of surgical oncology.

Fellows spend their time training primarily at the Long Island Jewish Medical Center and North Shore University Hospital, which are recognized as two of the most technologically advanced tertiary and quaternary referral centers in the region. In addition, fellows have regular exposure to the ambulatory patient care setting at the Northwell Health Cancer Institute at the Center for Advanced Medicine, which enhances their experiences with both basic and complex pre- and post-operative issues encountered in patient care 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship program uniquely features a 12 faculty member to 1 fellow ratio, ensuring personalized attention and mentorship. Each faculty member is board-certified in surgical oncology or relevant allied fields. The curriculum encompasses a range of surgical specialties over two years. The first year includes rotations in:

• Gastrointestinal Surgery
• Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery
• Breast Surgery
• Skin/Sarcoma Surgery
• Peritoneal Surface Malignancies/Gynecology Oncology
• Medical Oncology
• Radiation Oncology
• Research Elective

During the second year, fellows transition to greater independence in the operating room and are expected to exhibit leadership while mentoring junior staff. Second-year rotations include:

• Head and Neck/Endocrine Surgery
• Pathology
• Community Surgical Oncology

Additionally, significant portions of the second year are dedicated to independent research and electives, providing the ability for fellows to align training with their future professional interests 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical component of the fellowship, with 20 weeks of dedicated research time scheduled alongside additional opportunities during 24 weeks of elective time. Fellows participate in clinical and translational research projects, which are supported by disease management team meetings, where fellows can present their research alongside experienced faculty and specialists 6. The program encourages submission of research findings to regional, national, and international conferences and for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Training Sites

The primary training sites for the fellowship include:

• Long Island Jewish Medical Center
• North Shore University Hospital
• Northwell Cancer Institute at the Center for Advanced Medicine

These sites are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including advanced operating rooms and the da Vinci® Xi robotic surgical system 5.

Benefits and Compensation

Northwell Health offers competitive benefits and compensation packages for fellows. Key benefits include:

• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Paid time off totaling 20 days annually
• Life maintenance days for personal health maintenance

Fellows are responsible for their housing arrangements, but various services and online platforms are recommended to assist in finding accommodations in proximity to the training facilities 7.

Visa Sponsorship and Application Requirements

The program provides support for J-1 visa sponsorship, facilitating international medical graduates who seek to pursue this fellowship. It is essential for prospective applicants to apply through the electronic residency application service (ERAS), submitting key documents which include a curriculum vitae, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. Applications are reviewed annually between March and May, and interviews are conducted between April and May 2.

Competitiveness and Special Application Requirements

The fellowship at Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell is highly competitive. Applicants are encouraged to possess a strong academic background. The program actively welcomes graduates from both DO and IMG backgrounds, fostering an inclusive training environment.

Specific application requirements may include a maximum of one failed USMLE or COMLEX exam and graduation within a certain time frame from medical school. Additional application inquiries can be directed to the fellowship program management team during the interview invitation process 3.